Somatic Symptoms And Related Disorders

June 05 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 529 Views

Individuals with somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSDs) experience physical symptoms that are extremely upsetting or significantly interfere with their day-to-day functioning. They also exhibit excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connected to these symptoms. Usually, the symptoms are more severe than one would anticipate for an existing medical condition, however, they can also arise in the absence of a specific medical issue.

SSDs are prevalent in kids and teenagers of all ages, occur in all cultural contexts, and can start in preschool. They are also referred to as psychosomatic disorders, somatoform disorders, conversion disorders, and psychological factors influencing medical problems. Another term for them is functional disorders (e.g., functional neurological symptom disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, or functional pain disorders).

SSDs may appear following a traumatic incident or a significant life transition for a youngster. Children and adolescents can exhibit physical symptoms of stress instead of feelings or ideas, just like adults can. Certain youngsters appear to be particularly vulnerable, such as those who have trouble expressing their emotions or who connect stigma with mental illness.

The majority of people go through daily life with bodily (or somatic) symptoms even in the absence of a medical condition. For instance, a lot of people have a headache before a stressful occasion or feel queasy when asked to speak in front of an audience. Stressors in adolescence might include things like bullying, illness in the family, pressure from school, divorced parents, or any significant change, whether positive or negative.

Symptoms of Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders (SSDs)

The symptoms of somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSRDs) can vary depending on the specific diagnosis, but they generally involve physical complaints or concerns that are disproportionate to any medical condition present.

Physical signs that individuals with SSD may experience include:

The most often reported symptom is pain.

Weakness or exhaustion.

Breathing difficulty (dyspnea).

One or more physical symptoms may be present, and they may range in severity from moderate to severe. They could have an obvious cause or be the result of a medical problem.

The primary indicators of somatic symptom disorder are the way individuals feel, think, and act in reaction to these physical symptoms. Individuals who have SSD may:

Feel a great deal of anxiety around their bodily ailments.

Worry that minor physical symptoms could be indicators of more serious illnesses.

Visit their physician for several diagnostic examinations and tests, but do not accept the findings.

Individuals may feel that their medical professional is not giving enough attention to their bodily symptoms.

Spend a great deal of time and effort in dealing with health issues.

Seem to be unusually prone to severe drug reactions.

Individuals become reliant on other people, demanding assistance and emotional support, and getting upset when they don't believe their demands are being addressed.

They might have daily functioning issues as a result of ideas, emotions, and actions related to their physical problems.

Different diagnosis for somatic symptom and related disorders (SSDs)

SSRDs include several specific diagnoses, such as:

1. Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD): This condition involves one or more distressing physical symptoms, which may or may not be associated with a diagnosed medical condition. The focus of SSD is on the severity of the symptoms, the distress they cause, and the disproportionate amount of time and energy devoted to them.

2. Illness Anxiety Disorder (formerly Hypochondriasis): Individuals with illness anxiety disorder have excessive worry and fear about having a serious medical illness, despite reassurance from medical professionals. They may misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of a severe illness and often seek medical reassurance excessively.

3. Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder): Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms, such as weakness or paralysis, that cannot be explained by a neurological or medical condition. These symptoms are not intentionally produced and are believed to be related to psychological factors.

4. Factitious Disorder: Individuals with factitious disorder intentionally produce or feign physical or psychological symptoms to assume the role of a patient and receive medical attention. The motivation for this behaviour is to assume the sick role rather than to obtain external incentives, such as financial gain.

5. Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions: This diagnosis involves the presence of psychological or behavioural factors that adversely affect a medical condition, such as noncompliance with medical treatment, excessive stress, or maladaptive coping strategies.

6. Other Specified and Unspecified Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: This category includes conditions that do not fully meet the criteria for the specific disorders mentioned above but still involve significant somatic symptoms and impairment.

Treatment for SSDs

Improving both your symptoms and your day-to-day functioning is the aim of treatment. For somatic symptom disorder, psychotherapy, commonly referred to as talk therapy, can be beneficial. Medication may occasionally be added, particularly if you're having trouble feeling depressed.

Psychotherapy

Physical symptoms can be reduced by psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) since physical symptoms can be linked to psychological discomfort and a high degree of health concern.

CBT can help you in:

Examine and modify your assumptions and ideas regarding bodily symptoms and health.

Discover techniques for lowering stress and managing physical symptoms.

Lessen your obsession with the symptoms

Decrease avoiding events and activities because of unpleasant physical experiences

Boost everyday performance in relationships, at work, at home, and in social situations.

Counselling

Counselling can be an integral part of the treatment approach for somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSRDs), as it addresses the psychological factors underlying these conditions and helps individuals cope with their symptoms.

Medications

Antidepressant drugs can help lessen pain and depression symptoms, which are common in somatic symptom disorders.

If a drug isn't working well for you, your doctor can suggest trying a different one or mixing a few to increase its potency. Remember that it may take a few weeks after starting medicine for your symptoms to start getting better.

Conclusion

Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders (SSDs) significantly impact daily life, causing severe physical symptoms. Counseling and therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are crucial for effective treatment. CBT helps reframe thoughts about health, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and reduce symptom severity. Online Counselling provides a supportive space to explore emotional responses and manage stress. While medications can help with co-occurring conditions, therapy is the cornerstone of SSD treatment. A comprehensive plan combining online therapy and medical interventions ensures better functioning and quality of life, addressing both physical and psychological needs for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

By focusing on the psychological aspects of these disorders, online therapists help individuals achieve better daily functioning, improved quality of life, and greater control over their health. A treatment plan that integrates psychotherapy with appropriate medical interventions offers the best chance for recovery. Emphasizing the importance of therapy and counselling from the best therapists in India in treating SSDs ensures that individuals receive comprehensive care, addressing both their physical and psychological needs. This holistic approach is essential for leading healthier, more fulfilling lives despite the challenges of SSDs.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms. Samta Pareek, Counselling Psychologist